moving a holly tree

patgourney · Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:57 pm Post subject: moving a holly tree

I planted a small holly tree a few years ago for my daughter in the front garden which is relatively small. The holly is now growing well (4ft. currently) and I am concerned that it will get too big for the garden. Can someone advise me as to how high and wide it can grow to and also when the best time to move or transplant and any advice on the best way to transplant please

tippben · Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:42 pm Post subject:

In an open space, hollies tend to grow wide. Expect 30'x40' in 30 years. However, you can prune it, hard, even pollard it. If it must be moved, do it in the winter. Try to bring as much of the root system as you can, and NEVER plant it deep. It's not a rose. When replanted, the surface roots should be barely covered with soil. The root system will need staking. You will need to keep a circle 1m wide free of any other growth for about three years, and you will have to water and feed.

patgourney · Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2013 1:07 pm Post subject:

Thank you for this reply tippben. Would you please advise me if I could I pollard it at its present height or can I cut some for Christmas decoration now?
Thanks again

tippben · Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 1:45 pm Post subject:

Yes, you could pollard it now, and it will start to regrow in the spring. I did this for my mother, and her overly vigorous tree looked like a "picture book" holly a year later. Unfortunately, a few years later the neigbour rebuilt his garden wall, and killed it!

patgourney · Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 7:13 pm Post subject:

thanks again Tippben and Happy Christmas